Jaime's Review of Masque of The Red Death by Bethany Griffin

Masque of The Red Death

Bethany Griffin

Hardcover:  336 pages

Publisher: Greenwillow Books (Harper Collins)

Release Date: April 24, 2012

ISBN: 0062107798

Source: ARC from the publisher

Rating: Loved

From Goodreads.
Everything is in ruins.

A devastating plague has decimated the population. And those who are left live in fear of catching it as the city crumbles to pieces around them.

So what does Araby Worth have to live for?

Nights in the Debauchery Club, beautiful dresses, glittery make-up . . . and tantalizing ways to forget it all.

But in the depths of the club—in the depths of her own despair—Araby will find more than oblivion. She will find Will, the terribly handsome proprietor of the club. And Elliott, the wickedly smart aristocrat. Neither boy is what he seems. Both have secrets. Everyone does.

And Araby may find something not just to live for, but to fight for—no matter what it costs her.

I adored this book!!!!!! First let me say I love Poe so when I heard of another retelling of one of his stories I was a bit afraid to read it. There was a very popular book that everyone raved about that I did not like at all. So with that being said I went into this with an open mind but, a little leery. I had no reason to be Bethany took this story and made it her own! It was an excellent mix of post-apocalyptic dystopian and steampunk with an evil tyrant, a scary plague, killer crocodiles, two hot boys, and a heroine that is heartbreakingly real!

I immediately felt a connection to the main character Araby with her twin brother dead and her world collapsing all she wants to do is forget by any means necessary and because of a vow to her dead brother she refuses to fall in love. Enter two of the best written male characters I have read in a long time! In fact they are so well written that I have not chosen a side (yes me who always picks one boy over the other) I just can’t. Will is charming, sexy, tall, dark, caring, tattooed, and has a soft side. Elliott the complete opposite is light haired, sarcastic, arrogant, scary at times, has a fierce protective side, brilliant, and is surprisingly romantic. See why I can’t choose???

On to the story I loved how Bethany wasn’t afraid to push the limits with the plague there are some pretty yucky scenes describing it but I loved it. I don’t scare easily though. Also the descriptions of the Debauchery Club and the other locations she wrote about are so detailed I felt like I was there! 

The ending of the story was just wow and had me itching for book 2 and yes there is a book 2 and I can’t wait for it!

Ok so like I said I couldn’t choose a boy so instead of one passage you guys get 2 ;) First Will!

I have so many things to say to him, but it is almost dark. I know he has to go. So I don’t say anything. He’s the one who breaks the silence. “And thank you for telling me about your brother.”

When he pulls me close, there is no flirtation, no suggestion of anything except comfort. My heart beats faster anyway.

“I’m sorry that you lost him. And that you’ve chosen to punish yourself because of it.”

It was my fault. But there is no point in arguing. We are almost to the end of the alley, and I know he must leave me in just a few steps.

“Be careful,” he says. “If you aren’t, I won’t get a chance to convince you that you are wrong.”

And now here’s Elliott’s passage.

“Hideous isn’t it?” Elliott pulls his steam carriage through a final stone archway and stops.”Be cautious. Do not tell my uncle anything about either of your parents, and don’t give him any indication that we aren’t madly in love.”

“We aren’t madly in love?”

“You scorn me. But I am infatuated with you.”

“You’re a better liar than I thought,” I say lightly.

“I’m a fabulous liar.” He swings down from the carriage and walks around to lift me down. He pulls me close and says quietly, “And you need to be too.”

Again I loved this book!!!!!!!! Oh and make sure to come back here on April the 16th when Bethany will be here answering our questions as a part of the blog tour and we'll have a signed ARC to give away!!!

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